Sunday, July 14, 2013

Helping Make Tomorrow’s History Today

Though A Family
Tapestry is dedicated to weaving the strands that create one specific
extended family, from time to time, we are reminded that who we are is not
solely the function of our familial roots. Often, we are shaped and influenced
by many significant others in our lives.

Instead of writing about my family’s past today, I want to
talk about one of those other families which have been a part of our family’s present. And I’d
like to pass along a story about that family’s courage to not only overcome
challenges, but succeed in their quest in a spectacular way.

We’ve spent many school years with this particular family, as
both our families participated in many homeschool activities. Together, we went
through years of rigorous preparation for speech and debate competitions as
their son and our daughter participated in the same club. We all struggled
through years of lessons in French—although, admittedly, I was more handicapped
as a language coach for my daughter than this other mom was for her children.

Our daughters even shared the same birth day, though not
year—and we used to laugh about our girls being birthday twins.

While we shared many small victories as our children were
growing up, one step along the way was not
a cause for celebration. By the time their daughter turned twelve, our friends
received word that she had severe scoliosis. Though they tried to seek
alternatives, it became apparent after a diligent search that there was no
recourse but to face a long and risky surgery.

The diagnosis and treatment alone seemed daunting, but there
was more to this story than the usual fears parents hold on behalf of their
children. In this family’s case, their two children were winning accolades for
their accomplishments in swim tournaments. Their daughter, in particular, was
breaking local records and being noticed by significant representatives of the
athletic world.

To undergo something as serious as this surgery would
involve significant setbacks in this young athlete’s training.

To not submit to
the treatment would surely present obstacles as well.

Young Natalie underwent surgery in 2011, followed by
extensive therapy. After that hiatus, she returned to athletic training, not
only in swimming, but in preparation to compete in an event known as the
Pentathlon.

An endurance sport as well as a strenuous test of a wide
variety of skills, the Pentathlon calls for excellence in fencing,
marksmanship, equestrianism, running, as well as swimming.

Achieving this award means Natalie is qualified to compete in
Wuhan, China, for the World Championships.

To have achieved such an honor is notable in itself, but in
Natalie’s case, it is a testimony to her resilience and fortitude in the face
of such a personal health struggle. I remember when Natalie’s mom showed me her
x-rays from before and after surgery. The twists and curves in her spine were
unbelievable—the resulting repair amazing. That this extensive surgery did not negatively impact her
athletic training was astounding.

There is one more challenge facing Natalie as she prepares
to make history in China:
she needs the help of many others to partner with her in sending her to the
World Championships.

Our family, of course, has helped, as have others who know
Natalie’s family. As the word spreads from swim teammates and former classmates,
people are rallying to help send Natalie to China.

Natalie’s brother, Daniel, tells her story in a post and a
video at indiegogo, a website dedicated to helping people raise funding for
causes such as this.

On behalf of Natalie’s family, I’d be honored if you would
consider becoming a small part of sending this talented young athlete to a
competition of this importance. Please visit the “Send Natalie to Worlds” website,
watch the video on Natalie, read her brother’s story and pass the word along to
others.

With a talent and a story as compelling as Natalie’s, you
get the feeling she is on the verge of making history.

Thank you for spending some time here to read Natalie’s
story. And thank you for taking part in allowing her to participate in this remarkable opportunity!

Thank you so very much, Iggy! It's so exciting to see that the campaign has already raised one fifth of the needed funds. It's so heartwarming to see all the support for this talented young woman. Sometimes, getting the athlete to the competition can be a team sport in its own right!

About Me

It is my contention that, after a lifetime, one of the greatest needs people have is to be remembered. They want to know: have I made a difference?
I write because I can't keep for myself the gifts others have entrusted to me. Through what I've already been given--though not forgetting those to whom I must pass this along--from family I receive my heritage; through family I leave a legacy. With family I weave a tapestry. These are my strands.